Traverse City Travel Blog

Home to more than 60% of Michigan’s wine grapes, there’s plenty of reason to celebrate Michigan’s thriving wine culture in the Traverse City region. The area’s biggest celebration by far is the annual Traverse City Uncorked, a self-guided wine tour of Traverse City powered by a digital passport that every vino lover will adore. From May 2-10, experience the best of Traverse City’s wine heritage while also enjoying savings, special offers, and opportunities to win prizes. 

Wondering how it all works? Here’s what to expect at Traverse City Uncorked in 2025. 

From downhill and cross-country skiing to fat-tire biking, snowshoeing, ice skating, and more, there’s plenty of powder for every outdoor activity this year.

And guess what? Not only does going down the slopes or hiking up a frozen dune give you a full-body workout, but being out in the white stuff

Yay! It’s officially spring, and in Michigan, that means the start of months filled with sunshine and swimming, beaches, festivals, hiking, biking, fishing, and golfing. The kind of outdoor adventures that make life in the Mitten State so special.

Because if there’s one thing a Michigander knows, it’s how to make the most of every season. Whether it’s chasing sunsets over the Great Lakes, cooling off at the beach, or savoring fresh cherries straight from the orchard, summers here are meant to be lived outside. Long daylight hours turn into bonfire-lit nights, and no weekend is complete without a road trip to a favorite lakeside town.

With so many ways to experience the beauty of Michigan’s upcoming seasons, we made a list to help you plan your next getaway to northern Michigan.

Here are seven classic activities for a healthy dose of Mitten State fun in Traverse City: 

Horse-drawn sleigh rides, crackling fireplaces, and a bottle of wine to share—romance is in the air in Traverse City.

Whether you're planning the perfect Valentine's Day or simply looking for a dreamy escape, here are seven unforgettable ways to celebrate love in northern Michigan. 

Maybe your dream menu features the kind of soul food served up at the new Bushell’s Kitchen in downtown Traverse City. Or maybe you savor the Sichuan spice of TC’s Crocodile Palace.

If you love to pair farm-to-table bites with a glass of northern Michigan wine or explore Native American culinary

In October 1870, Jerome Pratt climbed the then-new Mission Point Lighthouse again and again – documenting 69 ships throughout the month in his “Record of Passing Vessels.” Chances are that each time the original lighthouse keeper scaled the heights of the tower during that first full month on duty, he also saw some spectacular fall color.

So much has changed over the past 154 years, yet Mission Point Lighthouse today bears a strong resemblance to what Pratt encountered during his 7-year stint. That includes the stunning scenery of fall.

“There’s an excellent view from the tower,” said Ginger Schultz, manager of Mission Point Lighthouse. “It’s very cool up there.”

Mission Point Lighthouse is among a handful of historic beacons in the Traverse City area that each are worth a visit this fall. And when you come to spend a few days on a tour, you can spend the night at some of Michigan’s most historical places to stay.

Take a closer look at the lighthouses of the Traverse City area and nearby places to stay:

Ah, fall colors. Apple cider. Pumpkin spice.

The best time of year has arrived! Come share the season with your pup in the Traverse City area.

TC is full of pet-friendly restaurants and things to do, with more than a few trails where you and your canine companion can see the changing leaves in all their glory, too.

You can’t get Short’s Brewing innovations such as Pumpkincrusha on Nitro or the Cozy Blanket American porter in the store or at your local bar.

But you can come to taste it all this fall during Traverse City Beer Week. The annual celebration of northern Michigan brews returns Nov. 8-16 with drink specials – and special, experimental beers – at craft breweries all over the Traverse City area. 

Love wine tasting? Then stay right at the vineyard. Looking forward to your tee time? Book a room on the golf course.

The Traverse City area has more amenities and more lodging options than anywhere else in northern Michigan, so it’s easy to find the perfect place to hang out for a few days while enjoying your favorite things to do. If you’re a beach bum, you can find a spot on the water. If you’re a foodie, you can grab a room right downtown within walking distance of many unique restaurants. And if you can’t wait to get out on the trail, you can reserve a cottage right in the midst of Mother Nature. 

Whatever your reason for skipping out on it, it shouldn’t feel like a chore to ask the bartender to nix the alcohol in your drink. However an establishment may refer to them – mocktails, N/A, virgin - these top spots provide dedicated non-alcoholic options with pride, proving that great taste and creativity shine above all else, even without the booze. Don't fret If you're more of a beer or wine type, the N/A philosophy has seeped into all forms of beverage.